Barney Frank: The Bravest Man in Washington

Yes!!! I love this guy. He's the only gay Congressman brave enough to admit he's gay and wants to legalize pot too. He is the bravest man in Washington.

Oh, Barney

Check either link above to see what Barney's been doing for the American people now.

Opinion of a Former Flaming Pothead

When I was an arrogant teenager, I inadvertently turned on my brother's gas range while leaning against it during the almost ceremonial passing of the pot pipe at a party, hence setting my shirt on fire, inspiring my brother to push me into the sink to put out the fire, and causing squeals of laughter from the room's inhabitants. Still arrogant, albeit embarrassed, I challenged other party goers to turn on major appliances with their asses if they could or be quiet. None of them could, but neither did they stop teasing me. That was many years ago, but one of life's mysteries to me has always been why the much maligned marijuana is illegal and cigarettes are not. As a former cigarette smoker and pothead, I believe I am enough of an expert to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of both habits. Pot is available in several different grades of potency, none of which were ever my experience to become addictive in a physiological manner. But like anything, if it feels good, you want to do it as often as possible, provided you can do it without setting yourself on fire. That, to my understanding, is not addiction anymore than shopping or video games. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are physiologically addictive as evidenced by the tobacco companies ability to strengthen the nicotine content to drive up sales despite the dangers associated with the product. Further, even if one does not smoke, the habits of inconsiderate smokers could be disasterous, even deadly. I quit both habits many years ago, but the health benefits of my choice to do so is somewhat negated by smokers less concerned for the health of others in their choice of location when lighting up. People who are not allowed to smoke inside a store, think nothing of smoking right outside the entrance to that or any other business, inflicting the offensive emanation on others as they pass -- children and adults alike. If you pass by someone smoking a joint, while you may or may not like the smell of the smoke it produces, it isn't going to kill you. As such, why make it unlawful to smoke the less addictive or dangerous of the two, with its only danger being the scale's reaction to the munchies; while allowing the manufacturers to encourage the sale of the other? Television ads were banned years ago for cigarettes, but billboards and magazines are still full of them. Even though my enjoyment of both ended with my youth, I would outlaw cigarettes and legalize pot were the choice ever mine to make, thus infuriating the many and elating the high.